Labor groups push for endo regulation if not ban

FILE: NAGKAISA and KMU join mobilization on EO on Contractualization, 15 March 2018 (Photo: Associated Labor Unions/Facebook)

While one of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s promises before stepping into presidency was to end contractualization, labor groups already considered the possibility that it may not be passed but expect some form of regulation.

Earlier, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the power of the executive branch of the government is limited on the issue.

“The main problem there is the things that they want to happen is something that executive department is not empowered to do. Legislative action is needed,” Gueverra said in a press briefing on April 2, Monday.

He then explained, “If you want something like a total ban on contractualization, you need a law to repeal or amend that particular provision of the labor code. An EO (executive order) is meant to supplement or give implementing details of what the law provides, but it cannot add or subtract or substantially alter what the law provides.”

Labor groups submitted an EO draft, only waiting for the President’s approval.

In line with the EO that Gueverra mentioned, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) head Elmer Labog stressed that while the expected EO may not grant the total end to contractualization, it may at least dissuade it.

“It can more or less deter it. More importantly, it will serve as a signal or guide to lawmakers if such draft is favorable to workers,” he said.

Meanwhile, for the Associated Labor Union (ALU),  “Labor groups have recognized the concern of President Duterte that it is quite impossible for an absolute ban on contractualization,” Alan Tanjusay, its spokesperson said on April 3, Tuesday.

He added, “The position by labor groups is far different from its earlier absolute prohibition stance.”

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW), for its part, said that they are waiting for Duterte’s signature in the EO draft.

“If he doesn’t sign one at all soon, he will completely lose the trust of labor,” the group said.